Nutrition & Feeding

Growing puppies need a nutritionally complete diet appropriate for their age, expected adult size and developmental needs.

• Choose a high-quality puppy food appropriate for your puppy's age and size.
• Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and your veterinarian.
• Divide the daily food amount into appropriate meals rather than providing one large meal.
• Keep feeding times consistent.
• Monitor body condition and avoid excessive weight gain.
• Limit treats so they do not replace balanced meals.
• Make dietary changes gradually to reduce the chance of digestive upset.

Fresh Water

Your puppy should have regular access to clean, fresh drinking water.

Wash water bowls regularly and monitor how much your puppy drinks. Significant changes in drinking habits should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Veterinary Care

Arrange an appointment with your veterinarian after bringing your puppy home. Your veterinarian can review your puppy's health and establish an individualized preventive-care plan.

• Routine wellness examinations
• Vaccination planning
• Parasite screening and prevention
• Weight and growth monitoring
• Dental health guidance
• Nutrition recommendations
• Microchip discussions
• Spay or neuter discussions when appropriate

Vaccinations

Puppies generally require a series of vaccinations during their early development. The exact vaccines and schedule can vary depending on age, location, health status and lifestyle.

Follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your licensed veterinarian and keep copies of your puppy's medical records.

Parasite Prevention

Puppies can be exposed to internal and external parasites. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate prevention for:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Heartworms
• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Other intestinal parasites

Only use parasite-control products that are appropriate for your puppy's age, weight and health status.

House Training

House training requires patience and consistency. Take your puppy to an appropriate potty area frequently, especially:

• After waking up
• After eating
• After drinking
• After play sessions
• Before bedtime

Praise successful potty behavior. Avoid harsh punishment for accidents. Clean accidents thoroughly and continue with a consistent routine.

Crate Training

A properly introduced crate can provide your puppy with a secure resting space and can also assist with house training and safe transportation.

• Choose an appropriately sized crate.
• Introduce the crate gradually.
• Use treats and praise to build positive associations.
• Provide comfortable bedding when appropriate.
• Never use the crate as punishment.
• Do not leave a young puppy confined for unreasonable periods.

Training & Good Manners

Pit Bulls and American Bullies can be powerful adult dogs, making early training especially important. Begin teaching appropriate behavior from puppyhood.

• Name recognition
• Come when called
• Sit
• Stay or wait
• Leave it
• Drop it
• Loose-leash walking
• Calm greetings

Use positive reinforcement and reward the behavior you want your puppy to repeat.

Socialization

Appropriate socialization helps puppies become more comfortable with the world around them.

Gradually introduce your puppy to different sounds, surfaces, environments, people and safe situations. Experiences should be controlled and positive rather than overwhelming.

Ask your veterinarian how to balance socialization with disease-prevention precautions while your puppy is completing its vaccination series.

Exercise & Play

Puppies need physical activity, but their developing bodies should not be subjected to excessive or inappropriate exercise.

• Use short, age-appropriate play sessions.
• Allow plenty of rest between activities.
• Avoid excessive forced running.
• Be cautious with repetitive jumping and high-impact activities while your puppy is growing.
• Include mental stimulation through training and interactive toys.

Sleep & Rest

Growing puppies require substantial sleep. Provide a comfortable, quiet place where your puppy can rest without constant interruption.

A puppy that becomes overly tired may become more excitable, mouthy or difficult to settle. A predictable sleep routine can help.

Grooming

Pit Bulls and American Bullies generally have short coats, but routine grooming remains important.

• Brush the coat regularly.
• Check the skin for irritation or unusual changes.
• Keep nails appropriately trimmed.
• Inspect ears regularly.
• Use dog-appropriate bathing products.
• Avoid unnecessary over-bathing.

Dental Care

Introducing dental care during puppyhood can make the routine easier as your dog grows.

• Use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.
• Introduce tooth brushing gradually and positively.
• Provide veterinarian-approved dental products when appropriate.
• Ask your veterinarian to monitor your dog's oral health.

Chewing & Safe Toys

Chewing is normal puppy behavior, particularly during teething.

Provide durable, age-appropriate toys and supervise your puppy with new toys. Remove damaged toys that could break into pieces or become choking hazards.

Keep electrical cords, medications, household chemicals, small objects and other dangerous items out of your puppy's reach.

Leash, Collar & Identification

Help your puppy gradually become comfortable wearing a properly fitted collar or harness and walking on a leash.

Identification tags should contain current contact information. You can also discuss permanent identification through microchipping with your veterinarian.

Safe Interactions

Responsible supervision is important with every dog, particularly as a strong breed puppy grows into a powerful adult.

Teach appropriate interactions and do not allow rough or uncontrolled handling. Interactions with children, unfamiliar people and other animals should be appropriately supervised.

Learn your dog's body language and provide space when your dog appears uncomfortable, tired or overstimulated.